Inside March 2008

Features

BY Sarah SmithTwo new ethanol plants received a lump of coal in their Christmas stockings—a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. One plant isn't even completed. Now both face the unenviable task of clawing their way out of a hole to become successful enterprises. And both leave corn farmers and other investors wondering how such lofty aspirations went awry. READ MORE

BY Ron KotrbaExecutives with Colusa Biomass Energy Corp., a company securing its niche in rice waste, were searching diligently for an engineering company to take their project to the next level: commercial production. No matter the paths they traversed, CBEC executives say all roads led to BBI International. READ MORE

BY Jessica EbertThe diverse ecosystems that mark the landscape of Costa Rica, ranging from lowland rain forests to cloud forests, lakes and rivers, are a hot spot for life. For scientists, this treasure trove of biodiversity represents yet to be discovered insights into medicine, species diversity and for some, the commercialization and development of enzymes for cellulosic ethanol production. READ MORE

BY Susanne Retka SchillWhich system should be targeted to produce biofuels feedstocks in the future—high-input, low-diversity crops such as corn, or low-input, high-diversity
systems such as mixed prairie grasses? An ecologist and an agronomist weigh in on the debate. READ MORE

BY Anduin Kirkbride McElroyDon O'Connor has the breadth and width of knowledge that is second to none in Canada. His analysis of biofuel plants' greenhouse gas emissions has been especially important to the global industry. READ MORE

BY Jerry W. KramProcessors believe biofuels will prosper because cellulosic feedstocks will be cheap and readily available. Feedstock owners think they will get rich selling biomass to the ethanol industry. Obviously, they both can't be right. Finding a mutually beneficial balance between buyer and seller is a challenge as the cellulosic ethanol industry finds its feet. READ MORE